Ranking the 10 best former Utah Jazz players in the 2023 playoffs

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SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – APRIL 04: Jarred Vanderbilt #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action during a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena on April 04, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

4. Jarred Vanderbilt (LAL)

Vanderbilt was a part of the package with Beasley that sent them both to the Lakers. Since then, he’s become a fan favorite amongst Lakers fans for his impressive defensive ability. For that same reason, he’s also become one of their most important players going down the stretch.

Vanderbilt has started 24 games with the Lakers since joining the team, averaging 7.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. Vanderbilt is also a great help on the defensive side with his 6’9 frame. A versatile wing like Vanderbilt that’s able to defend some of the best players in the playoffs is immensely valuable.

His first defensive assignment will be a difficult one, as he’ll match up with the young and competitive Grizzlies in the first round. Jarred will have to step up to the challenge to prevent LeBron from having two consecutive first-round exits for the first time in his career.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – APRIL 14: Mike Conley #10 of the Minnesota Timberwolves steals the ball from Josh Giddey #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the fourth quarter of the NBA Play-In game at Target Center on April 14, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Thunder 120-95 to advance to the NBA Playoffs as the #8 seed. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

3. Mike Conley (MIN)

The 15-year veteran is still playing at a high level in 2023. Conley is coming off an essential play-in win vs. the Thunder to notch himself a playoff appearance for the 10th time in his career. In his game vs. OKC, Conley put up 14, 3, and 3 with a +24 plus/minus to lift the Timberwolves over the edge.

Conley spent the past three seasons with the Jazz before being traded at the deadline this February. He appeared in the playoffs all three seasons but unfortunately fell victim to three straight first-round exits.

He’ll get a (small) chance to break the unlucky streak vs. the Nuggets this time around. However, with the Nuggets being the 1-seed in the West, and considering the Timberwolves meltdown to end the season, I don’t have too much stock in it.